What are the best things to do on a Hawaiian cruise to Oahu?

The Island of OAHU has one port–Honolulu.

Oahu, known as the “Gathering Place”, is where the timeless radiance of the islands meets the modern luxuries of today.

When your cruise ship docks in Honolulu,  you’ll have plenty to see and do. Some popular excursions include:

1. Pearl Harbor. Pay tribute to the 1,777 men who lost their lives on Dec 7, 1941. The USS Arizona Memorial,  USS Bowfin Submarine, and USS Missouri “Mighty Mo” Battleship are a must-see. Special VIP exclusive tours also include military base tours. This tour sells out fast, so guarantee tickets, we recommend you include it with your cruise package.  If time allows, you may also want to see the Pacific Aviation Museum.

2.  Polynesian Cultural Center.  Meet and learn about the Hawaiian people and then enjoy a traditional Hawaiian luau.

3.  Pali Coast. Take a scenic drive up to Pali Lookout.

4.  Diamond Head Crater. A symbol of the worldwide recognition of the Hawaiian Islands, this volcano is a popular hiking spot.

5.  Valley of the Rainbows. Take a hike in the Manoa Valley jungle filled with waterfalls and over 1,000 plant species. Lyon Arboretum is a 200-acre botanical garden where guided tours are available if you’re interested in learning about the rare, native species.

6.  Drive around the island in a rental car –  120 miles –  visiting the beautiful north shore, Diamond Head, Koko Head, Hanauma Bay and Waimea Bay.

7.  Explore Waikiki on your own, use the local bus or take the Waikiki Trolley to get around.

8. Hawaiian History Tour. Learn about Hawaii’s royal history and visit Iolani Palace and Queen Emma’s Summer Palace in Nuuanu Valley.

9.  Food Tour. Take a walk and sample all of local specialties along the coast.

10.  Kualoa Experience Tour. This all-inclusive tour will take you to the famous movie sites, a ranch tour and a jungle expedition all in one trip.

11. Nature Tour. Let a trained naturalist guide your exploration and “taste” the specialties of Oahu.

12.  Hawaiian Nutrition Company. Indulge and sample nutritional supplements and body care products filled with Hawaiian grown secrets.

13.  Hawaiian Pacific University. Your chance for a college tour.

14. Get Married. Your cruise line can plan your wedding on the beach at a minimal cost or you can check out more options at www.hawaiiweddingspace.com.

15.  Wyland Gallery. Best known for his marine life paintings, sculptures and photography, Wyland is a favorite on the islands.

16.  Aloha Festivals. If you plan to cruise in September, take in the Aloha Festivals.

17.  Flightseeing. See Oahu by air in a seaplane or airplane.

18.  Rent a BOB. BOB’s Underwater Scooter Adventure has new, high-tech Breathing Observation Bubbles (BOB) underwater scooters.

19.  Atlantis Submarine Dive. What a fun way for your whole family to explore under the sea -without getting wet!

20.  Swim with the Dolphins or Sharks. You can choose to swim with the dolphins, or for the more adventurous, swim with the sharks. There is a NEW shark encounter cage made with plexiglass that fits up to six people. The plexiglass provides a better view of the sharks—and it’s guaranteed you’ll see a shark or your money back.

21.  Whale Watching. Enjoy a spectacular, up-close experience with one of the ocean’s most incredible creatures – the Humpback Whale.

What are the best things to do on Maui?

What are the best things to do on Kauai?

What are the best things to do on Hawaii–the big island?

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Linda Brandt

Linda Brandt joined the team at CruiseExperts.com in November 2011. She has been working with the marketing team in many capacities. Her new role is to pass on the expertise of the agency to help travelers understand the world of cruising through blogging. She studied journalism and writing in college and was a writer for The Campus newspaper for two years at the College of the Sequoias. She is also currently working on her Bachelor’s degree.